DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai welcomed 4000 global
leaders and experts from 139 countries today in today in Dubai to kick
off the 5th annual World
Government Summit.

The first day featured an opening address from Founder and Chairman of
the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, who cautioned governments about
the global ‘emotional turmoil’ saying, “If we want to go forward, we
need a completely new system where the human-being is at the center, and
societal advancement is the key.”

Building off this sentiment, a panel of experts including Professor
Jeffrey Sachs, American economist, concurred that the success of
government must be defined by its ability to facilitate the happiness
and well-being of its citizens, and should replace old paradigms that
focus overwhelmingly on economic performance.

The opening-day also saw the presentation of the “2017 World’s Best
Minister Award” presented to Her Excellency Awa Marie
Coll-Seck, Senegal’s Minister of Health & Social Interaction. The award,
which judges ministerial nominees on the basis of four parameters of
excellence – innovation, leadership, impact, and reputation – honored
Her Excellency for her contributions towards the eradication of Ebola,
reduction of child mortality rates and the prevention of malaria in
Senegal.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also offered remarks reinforcing the
pivotal role of diversity in spurring new ideas and innovation. Abe
said: “As the world becomes more culturally diverse, it is critical that
we understand how these traditions will coexist in the future. It is
critical that governments use this diversity as a pillar to enable
economic growth based on innovation.”

The main session featured an interactive discussion with HH Sheikh
Mohammed, who provided an optimistic outlook on the future. He spoke of
problems and strengths in the region, the new United States president
and even conspiracy theories.

When asked about the potential relationship with the United States and
Donald Trump he said, “Our relationship with the United States is a
relationship between countries and governments, not with individuals. He
went on to say that, “The UAE will continue to prioritize its interests
to guide its foreign policy agenda.”